Namibian voters began to cast their ballots in 1,169 polling stations nationwide Monday morning, choosing their new president and a new parliament.

The polling began at seven (0500 GMT), and the ruling South West Africa People's Organization's candidate Hifikepunye Pohamba is widely expected to win an easy victory. The party is also expected to take majority in the 72-seat National assembly.

President Sam Nujoma, the founding president of Namibia at independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990, will be steppingdown in 2005 after a third term in office. He is to formally hand over power in March.

Source: Xinhua